Time delay product pushing system

ABSTRACT

A system for controlled advancement of product. Systems of this invention includes a pushing system having a track, a pusher, and an optional resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism couples to the track and the pusher, controlling forward movement of the pusher along the track and thereby controlling the speed at which product is advanced for access by the consumer. Certain embodiments of the invention include additional mechanisms to further limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a stop mechanism or an indexing mechanism.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/792,252filed Jun. 2, 2010, entitled “TIME DELAY PRODUCT PUSHING SYSTEM,”allowed, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/183,321, filed Jun. 2, 2009, entitled “TIME DELAY PRODUCT PUSHINGSYSTEM,” and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.12/567,370, filed Sep. 25, 2009, entitled “TIME DELAY PRODUCT PUSHINGSYSTEM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,190,289, which is a continuation-in-part ofSer. No. 11/409,885, filed Apr. 24, 2006, entitled “TIME DELAY PRODUCTPUSHING SYSTEM,” abandoned, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/674,880, filed Apr. 25, 2005, the contents of all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems for advancingproduct on a shelf and, in particular, devices that allow for controlledforward movement of product.

BACKGROUND

Theft of small items in retail stores is an all too common problem.Items that are in high demand by thieves include over-the-counter (OTC)products such as analgesics and cough and cold medications, razorblades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation productsand infant formula. Shelf sweeping is a particular problem for smallitems. Shelf sweeping occurs when individuals or groups remove all theshelf stock and exit the store, similar to a “smash and grab”shoplifting technique. Shelf sweeping relies on excessive quantities ofproduct being available on the shelf. Retailers must keep substantialinventory on shelf or incur the cost, including labor costs, ofconstantly restocking.

In addition to preventing theft, retail stores may want to limit thepurchase of certain items. For example, to make methamphetamine, largequantities of cold medication are needed. Pseudoephedrine, the soleactive ingredient in many cold medicines and decongestants, is also akey ingredient in methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictivestimulant.

Retailers are constantly challenged to balance the needs of legitimateconsumers' access to high theft items with measures to minimize theincidence of theft. Because theft has become so rampant in certainproduct categories, such as razors and infant formula, many retailstores are taking the products off the shelves and placing them behindthe counter or under lock and key. Customers must request the productsto make a purchase. This requires additional labor costs to provideindividual service to customers who would normally not require it. Italso makes it difficult for customers to compare products. Furthermore,it might not be feasible where the space behind the counter is limitedand is needed for prescription medications. In some cases, products aresimply unavailable due to high pilferage rates. Therefore, a device ordispensing apparatus that minimizes the incidence of product theft isneeded.

Studies have shown that a desirable form of theft deterrence is to causea time delay between the dispensing of multiple products. Would bethieves are less likely to steal products if there is a substantialdelay between the dispensing of individual products. It is alsodesirable to achieve time delayed dispensing of products in costeffective manner.

SUMMARY

Systems of this invention provide controlled advancement of product on ashelf unit. As a first product is removed from the shelf unit, theproducts located behind the one that was removed must move forward. Apushing system of one embodiment of this invention includes a pusher, atrack, and a stop mechanism. In some embodiments, the pushing systemincludes a resistance mechanism that is coupled to the track and thepusher and that controls forward movement of the pusher along the trackand thereby controls the speed at which product is advanced for accessby the consumer. When engaged, the stop mechanism prevents the pusherfrom advancing product forward.

A pushing system according to another embodiment of this inventionincludes a pusher, a track, and an indexing mechanism. In someembodiments, the pushing system includes a resistance mechanism that iscoupled to the track and the pusher and that controls forward movementof the pusher along the track and thereby controls the speed at whichproduct is advanced for access by the consumer. When the pushing systemis activated, the indexing mechanism limits the forward progression ofthe pusher by a discrete distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode of practicing theappended claims and directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification. Thespecification makes reference to the following appended figures, inwhich use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended toillustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pushing system according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a exploded view of the pushing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the pushing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the resistance mechanism of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the spring of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a pushing system according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the pushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a side plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the pushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the track of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the pushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view in partial cross-section of thepushing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the pushing system of FIG.11.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the track of FIG. 11.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the resistance mechanism of FIG. 11.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the spring of FIG. 11.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a plurality of pushing assemblies,according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a front plan view of the pushing assemblies of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side plan view of the pushing assemblies of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the pushing assemblies of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a front plan view of the door assembly of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a side plan view of the door assembly of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is bottom plan view of the door assembly of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the track of FIG. 24.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the track of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a side plan view of the track of FIG. 35.

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the pusher of FIG. 24.

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of the pusher of FIG. 24.

FIG. 37 is a front plan view of the pusher of FIG. 35

FIG. 38 is a side plan view of the pusher of FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the resistance mechanism of FIG. 24.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the stop mechanism of FIG. 24.

FIG. 41 is a top plan view of the stop mechanism of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side plan view of the stop mechanism of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is a side plan view of the divider of FIG. 24.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 24.

FIG. 45 is a front plan view of the cover of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 44

FIG. 47 is a side plan view of the cover of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 is a side view of a pushing assembly according an alternateembodiment, when the stop is in the disengaged position.

FIG. 49 is a side view of the pushing assembly of FIG. 23, when the stopis in the engaged position.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a tip bin door assembly, shownpositioned with respect to a divider and a pushing assembly, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is another perspective view of a tin bin door assembly, asassembled between shelving units and being opened for vending, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a shuttle style door assembly accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, when the shuttle style doorassembly is in the open position.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the shuttle door assembly of FIG. 11,when in the closed position.

FIG. 54 is a top view of the shuttle door assembly of FIG. 11, asassembled with a pushing system.

FIG. 55 is a rear perspective view of a pusher according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is front view of a shelving unit that contains a plurality ofpushing assemblies according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, with the shelving unit pulled out in drawer-like fashion.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the shelving unit of FIG. 56, with theshelving unit in position for vending.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a shuttle style door assembly accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, as the shuttle style doorassembly is being opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a pushing system 10, suchas a product pushing device, for advancing product. For example, it maybe desirable to position product close to the edge of a shelf unit. As afirst product is removed from the shelf unit, it may be desirable forthe products located behind the one that was removed to move forward. Apushing system may be used to accomplish the forward movement ofproduct.

According to one embodiment, pushing system 10, shown in FIGS. 1-10,comprises a pusher 12, a track 16, a resistance mechanism 18, and a stop20. Pusher 12 includes a pushing ram 14 that engages product (not shown)and pushes product forward. As shown in FIG. 1, pushing ram 14 includesa front surface 22 for engaging product and a rear surface 24. In oneembodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-10, the pushing ram 14 is a rectangularplate, although other suitable shapes and geometries may also be used.In some embodiments, pusher 12 includes gusset 26 (shown in FIGS. 5, 6,and 8) for reinforcing pusher 12 and providing a housing for spring 28(further described below).

As shown in FIG. 8, extension 30 of pusher 12 extends beyond the bottomportion of pushing ram 14. In this manner, extension 30 engages track16, so that pusher 12 is in sliding engagement with track 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7, track 16 includes a resistance channel 34having exposed gear teeth 36 that project into resistance channel 34 andengage external gear component 38 of the resistance mechanism 18, shownin FIGS. 2 and 9 and further described below. The gear teeth may bepositioned in various other manners along the resistance channel 34 andmaintain the functionality of the pushing system. Track 16 also includesa stop channel 46 having a plurality of engagement surfaces 48 thatproject into stop channel 46. Engagement surfaces 48 are positionedalong the stop channel 46 to engage one of a plurality of externalengagement components 50 of stop mechanism 20 (described below).

As shown in FIG. 2, spring 28 extends through a slot 62 in the pusher 12and attaches to the opening 40 of the track 16. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 2, end 56 of spring 28 includes aperture 58, through which anysuitable fastener, such as a screw 60, may pass to attach spring 28 toopening 40 of track 16. Spring 28 may also be attached to pushing system10 in any other suitable manner. Movement of pusher 12 toward the backend of the track 16 unwinds spring 28 so that spring 28 urges pusher 12in the forward direction. The spring preferably may be a constant forcespring, such as those sold under the trademark Conforce®, but many othertypes of springs, such as a variable force spring, may also be used.

In some embodiments, resistance mechanism 18 is attached to pusher 12.As shown in FIG. 9, resistance mechanism 18 includes a housing 42 and anexternal gear component 38. Resistance mechanism 18 is positioned onpusher 12 so that external gear component 38 extends into resistancechannel 34 of track 16 and engages gear teeth 36. According to certainembodiments, one such resistance mechanism is a resistance motor, suchas the resistance motor Model #w217 sold by Vigor, although other typesof motors may also be used. In other embodiments, resistance mechanismis a rotary damper.

As one product is selected from the front of pushing system 10, thecompression of the spring 28 causes the pushing ram 14 to move forwardand the external gear component 38 to rotate along gear teeth 36 oftrack 16. This in turn causes the remaining product to move forwardalong track 16. Resistance mechanism 18, however, reduces the speed ofthis forward progression. The internal gears of the resistance mechanismare preferably configured to provide resistance to the forward movementby limiting the rotation of the external gear component 38. Because theexternal gear component 38 engages gear teeth 36 of track 16 and theexternal gear rotation is limited, the movement of pushing ram 14 andtherefore the remaining product to the front of track 16 is slowed.

Product can be loaded in pushing system 10 by forcing pushing ram 14backwards along track 16 and placing multiple units of the productagainst the pushing ram 14. As described above, spring 28 causes thepushing ram 14 to exert force on the products towards the front of thetrack 16. Resistance mechanism 18 preferably allows pushing ram 14 to beforced backwards freely for loading of the product.

The pushing system shown in FIGS. 1-10 includes a stop mechanism 20 thatmay be engaged to prevent the pusher 12 from advancing product forward.The stop mechanism 20 includes external engagement components 50 and iscoupled in any suitable manner with the pusher 12.

In one embodiment, stop mechanism 20 is positioned within stop channel46 so that the external engagement components 50 of stop mechanism 20engage engagement surfaces 48 of the stop channel 46. When sufficientforce is applied to the stop mechanism 20 so that the stop mechanism 20moves in a generally horizontal direction toward the rear of the track16, the external engagement components 50 of stop mechanism 20 abut theengagement surfaces 48 of the stop channel to prevent forward movementof the pusher 12. The external engagement components 50 form a generallysawtooth shape in cross section and are configured to stop the forwardmovement of the pusher 12. The stop channel 46 further includes aninclined surface that engages the stop mechanism 20 as it is pushed sothat the stop mechanism 20 moves both horizontally toward the rear ofthe track 16 and upward at the same time. When stop mechanism 20 is notengaged (no force is applied to stop mechanism 20), the externalengagement components 50 of stop mechanism 20 may contact the engagementsurfaces 48 of the stop channel 46 as the pusher 12 moves forward, butthe external engagement components 50 do not prevent forward movement ofthe pusher 12.

In some embodiments, stop mechanism 20 may be spring-loaded so that thestop mechanism 20 returns to its non-engaged position so that the pusher12 is allowed to move in a forward direction.

In some embodiments, the pushing system 10 may be housed in a displaydevice that includes an access door, or other suitable structure, thatblocks access to the product when the access door is in the closedposition. The access door may be configured to cooperate with stopmechanism 20, so that when the access door is open, the door appliessufficient force to engage the stop mechanism 20 to stop forwardmovement of the pusher 12, as described above. As a result, only theforward-most product is able to be vended when the access door is open.When the access door is closed, the access door does not engage stopmechanism 20 and the pusher 12 is free to move forward due to the actionof the spring 28 and as slowed by the resistance mechanism 18, asdescribed above. In this way, the pushing system 10 is preferablyconfigured so that only one product may be removed at a time. Thepushing system 10 is also preferably configured so that product may onlybe removed when at the front of the track 16. This requires someone whowants to remove more than one product from the pushing system to waitfor several seconds between removal of each product, which has beenfound to be a substantial deterrence to product theft.

Alternatively, a spring-loaded push button could enact the device sothat a product might be advanced to an incline delivery chute instead ofa door.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, pushing system 10includes a shaft 52 that extends through an opening 54 in the pusher 12.The shaft 52 may engage a rotary potentiometer, or other suitabledevice, for inventory control, as described in U.S. Ser. No. 12/567,370,the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The shaft 52may be helix shaped and is held at either end of the track so that theshaft 52 can rotate without being impeded. In these embodiments, thepusher 12 has an opening 54 cut in a corresponding shape (i.e., helixgeometry plus a small amount of tolerance) so that when the pusher 12moves in a forward or backward direction, the linear motion istranslated into a rotary motion of the shaft 52. The shaft 52 may thenbe connected to an electronic assembly containing a rotarypotentiometer. The pitch of the shaft 52 is such that the revolution ofthe shaft 52 is slightly less than 360°, as determined by the mostforward and rear position of the pusher 12 on the track. Known voltagevalues can then be translated into counts of the products on the track,which stores information about when product is added or removed from thetrack.

In some embodiments, the access door is made of a translucent materialso that the products stored within the display case are visible.According to certain embodiments, the pusher and track may all be madefrom molded plastic, although numerous other materials may be used ifdesired. The gear teeth may preferably be molded into the track in thedesired orientation.

According to certain embodiments, the pushing system may be used withproduct hanging hooks (not shown). Product hanging hooks may beconfigured to slide along the track. As a first product is selected, aspring may cause the subsequent product to move forward along the track.Resistance mechanisms may be used with each hook to slow the progressionof the subsequent product by limiting the rotation of the external gearcomponent along the gear teeth of the rack gear.

According to another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11-23, pushing system100 comprises a pusher 102, a track 106, a resistance mechanism 108, andan indexing system. Pusher 102 includes a pushing ram 104 that engagesproduct (not shown) and pushes product forward. As shown in FIG. 11,pushing ram 104 includes a front surface 110 for engaging product and arear surface 112. In some embodiments, pusher 102 includes gusset 114(shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 18) for reinforcing pusher 102 and providinga housing for spring 116.

As shown in FIG. 18, extension 140 of pusher 102 extends beyond thebottom portion of pushing ram 104. In this manner, extension 140 engagestrack 106, so that pusher 102 is in sliding engagement with track 106.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13 and 16-17, track 106 includes a resistancechannel 120 having exposed gear teeth 124 that project into resistancechannel 120 and engage external gear component 136 of the resistancemechanism 108 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 22 and further described below).The gear teeth may be positioned in various other manners along theresistance channel 120 and maintain the functionality of the pushingdevice. As shown in FIG. 21, track 106 also includes an index channel122 having inclines 150 and that receives rod 118.

As shown in FIG. 12, spring 116 extends through a slot 152 in the pusher102 and attaches to the opening 126 of the track 106. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 12, end 154 of spring 116 includes an aperture 130,through which any suitable fastener, such as screw 128, may pass toattach spring 116 to opening 126 of track 106. Spring 116 may also beattached to pushing system 100 in any other suitable manner. Asexplained above, movement of pusher 102 toward the back end of the track106 unwinds spring 116 so that spring 116 urges pusher 102 in theforward direction. The spring may preferably be a constant force spring,such as those sold under the trademark Conforce®, but many other typesof springs, such as a variable force spring, may also be used.

Resistance mechanism 108 is attached to pusher 102. As shown in FIG. 22,resistance mechanism 108 includes a housing 156 and an external gearcomponent 136. Resistance mechanism 108 is positioned on pusher 102 sothat external gear component 136 extends into resistance channel 120 oftrack 106 and engages gear teeth 124. According to certain embodiments,one such resistance mechanism is a resistance motor, such as theresistance motor Model #w217 sold by Vigor, although other types ofmotors may also be used. In other embodiments, resistance mechanism is arotary damper.

As one product is selected from the front of pushing system 100, thecompression of the spring 116 causes the pushing ram 104 to move forwardand the external gear component 136 to rotate along gear teeth 124 oftrack 106. This in turn causes the remaining product to move forwardalong track 106. Resistance mechanism 108, however, reduces the speed ofthis forward progression. The internal gears of the resistance mechanismare preferably configured to provide resistance to the forward movementby limiting the rotation of the external gear component 136. Because theexternal gear component 136 engages gear teeth 124 of track 106 and theexternal gear component rotation is limited, the movement of pushing ram104 and therefore the remaining product to the front of track 106 isslowed.

The pushing system shown in FIGS. 11-23 further includes an indexingsystem for controlling the movement of the pusher along a discretelength of the track 106. The indexing system, as shown in FIGS. 12-13and 16-20, includes: a rod 118 having a plurality of protrusions 142 andbeing positioned within the index channel 122; an index 132 having aplurality of openings 134; and a indexing member 144. The indexingmember 144 is coupled to the pusher 102 and includes a body 145, thebody having a lateral arm 146 and a downward extension 148. The downwardextension 148 is configured to be received within one of the pluralityof openings 134 of the index 132. When the downward extension 148 of theindexing member 144 is received within one of the plurality of openings134, forward movement of the indexing member 144 is prevented andtherefore forward movement of the pusher 102 is also prevented.

When sufficient force is applied to the rod 118 so that the rod 118moves in a generally horizontal direction toward the rear of the track106, the inclines 150 of the track 106 engage the protrusions 142 of therod 118 to lift the rod 118. When the rod 118 is lifted, it in turnengages the lateral arm 146 of the indexing member 144 to lift downwardextension 148 of the body of the indexing member 144 out of the opening134 of the index 132 in which the indexing member 144 was received. Oncethe downward extension 148 of the body of the indexing member 144 islifted out of the opening 134, the indexing member 144 is able to moveforward. In turn, the pusher 102 is also able to move forward freely, asprovided for by the spring 116 and slowed by the resistance mechanism108, until the indexing member 144 reaches the next opening 134 of theindex 132. Upon reaching the next opening 134, the downward extension148 of the body of the indexing member 144 is received within theopening 134 of the index 132 and again prevents the indexing member 144from moving forward, which in turns prevents further forward movement ofthe pusher 102.

The distance between the openings 134 may correspond to the depth of theproduct housed by the pushing system. Therefore, the pusher 102 may onlymove a discrete distance each time the indexing mechanism is activated,with the discrete distance corresponding to the depth of an individualproduct, so that only one product is capable of moving forward at atime.

In some embodiments, the indexing member 144 is a spring-loadedactuator. The rod 118 may be connected to an access door or a buttonaccessible to the user, so that upon activation, the rod 118 activatesthe indexing mechanism so that the pusher 102 advances one productforward. To dispense another product, the user must re-activate theindexing system by either opening the access door or pressing thebutton. In other embodiments, a push button, delivery chute, or othermechanism can be used to activate the indexing system.

In this way, the pushing system 100 is configured so that only oneproduct may be dispensed at a time. This requires someone who wants toremove more than one product from the pushing system to wait betweenremoval of each product, which has been found to be a substantialdeterrence to product theft.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-13 and 16, pushing system100 includes a shaft 52 that extends through an opening 138 in thepusher 102. The shaft 52 engages a rotary potentiometer, or othersuitable device, for inventory control. The shaft 52 may be helix shapedand is held at either end of the track so that the shaft 52 can rotatewithout being impeded. In these embodiments, the pusher 102 has anopening 138 in a corresponding shape (i.e., helix geometry plus a smallamount of tolerance) so that when the pusher 102 moves in a forward orbackward direction, the linear motion is translated into a rotary motionof the shaft 52. The shaft 52 may then be connected to an electronicassembly containing a rotary potentiometer. The pitch of the shaft 52 issuch that the revolution of the shaft 52 is slightly less than 360°, asdetermined by the most forward and rear position of the pusher 102 onthe track. Known voltage values can then be translated into counts ofthe products on the track, which stores information about when productis added or removed from the track.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 24-47, one ormore pushing assemblies 200 may be positioned between two retailshelving units 202 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. Alternatively, one ormore pushing assemblies 200 may be positioned on a single shelving unit,or placed on any type of surface such as a countertop. Pushing assembly200, shown in FIGS. 24-47, comprises a pusher 214, a track 216, aresistance mechanism 230, a stop 254, and a door assembly 218. In someembodiments, resistance mechanism 230 is not used. In some embodiments,pushing assembly 200 is used with a cover 212 and/or one or moredividers 204.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 43, a divider 204 may bepositioned on one or both sides of the pushing assembly 200 to separateadjacent assemblies. As shown in FIG. 43, the divider 204 includes anopening 206 and one or more securing extensions 274, further describedbelow.

As shown in FIGS. 35-38, pusher 214 includes a pushing ram 238 thatengages product (not shown) and pushes product forward. As shown inFIGS. 35 and 36, pushing ram 238 includes a front surface 240 forengaging product and a rear surface 242. In one embodiment, shown inFIGS. 35-38, the pushing ram 238 is a rectangular plate, although othersuitable shapes and geometries may also be used.

As shown in FIGS. 35 and 37, extension 248 of pusher 214 extends beyondthe bottom portion of pushing ram 238. In this manner, extension 248engages track 216, so that pusher 214 is in sliding engagement withtrack 216.

As shown in FIG. 33, track 216 includes a resistance channel 234 havingexposed gear teeth 228 that project into resistance channel 234 andengage external gear component 244 of the resistance mechanism 230,shown in FIG. 39 and further described below. The gear teeth 228 may bepositioned in various other manners along the resistance channel 234 andmaintain the functionality of the device.

Resistance channel 234 may also receive stop 254, shown in FIGS. 40-42.As shown in FIG. 40, stop 254 includes a plurality of engagementsurfaces 256, which form generally a sawtooth shape in cross section.Stop 254 also includes a front face 258, which may extend beyond theresistance channel 234. Engagement surfaces 256 are positioned to engageprojections 262 extending from brake 246 of pusher 214 (shown in FIGS.36 and 38). Stop 254 also includes one or more protrusions 260, whichmay be located on the side of stop 254, as shown in FIG. 40. Asdescribed below, these protrusions are shaped and sized to fit withinone or more slots 232 in the side of track 216, shown in FIG. 34.

As shown in FIG. 38, one end of spring 250 is attached to the pusher 214in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, by a screw. When inthe coiled position, spring 250 may be positioned around a post 266 inchannel 236 of track 216 (FIG. 33). Movement of pusher 214 toward theback end of the track 216 unwinds spring 250 so that when released,spring 250 urges pusher 214 in the forward direction. Spring 250 may bepositioned anywhere along track 216 in relation to pusher 214, so thatspring 250 is capable of either “pushing” or “pulling” pusher 214forward. The spring preferably may be a constant force spring, such asthose sold under the trademark Conforce®, but many other types ofsprings, such as a variable force spring, may also be used.

Optional resistance mechanism 230 is attached to pusher 214. As shown inFIG. 39, resistance mechanism 230 includes external gear component 244.As shown in FIGS. 35-38, resistance mechanism 230 is positioned onpusher 214 so that external gear component 244 extends into resistancechannel 234 of track 216 and engages gear teeth 228. According tocertain embodiments, one such resistance mechanism is a conventionalresistant motor, such as used in toys, such as the resistance motorModel #w217 sold by Vigor, although other types of motors may also beused. In other embodiments, resistance mechanism 230 is a rotary damper.

As one product is selected from the front of pushing assembly 200, thecompression of the spring 250 causes the pushing ram 238 to move forwardand the external gear component 244 to rotate along gear teeth 228 oftrack 216. The movement of pushing ram 238 advances remaining productalong track 216. The speed of this forward movement is controlled andreduced by resistance mechanism 230. The internal gears of theresistance mechanism 230 are preferably configured to provide resistanceto the forward movement by limiting the rotation of the external gearcomponent 244. Because the external gear component 244 engages gearteeth 228 of track 216 and the external gear rotation is limited, themovement of pushing ram 238 and therefore the remaining product to thefront of track 216 is slowed.

Product can be loaded in pushing assembly 200 by forcing pushing ram 238backwards along track 216 and placing multiple units of the productagainst the pushing ram 238. As described above, spring 250 causes thepushing ram 238 to exert force on the products towards the front of thetrack 216. Resistance mechanism 230 preferably allows pushing ram 238 tobe forced backwards freely for loading of the product.

The pushing assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 24-47 includes a stop 254 thatmay be engaged to prevent the pusher 214 from advancing product forward.As explained above and shown in FIG. 40, the stop 254 includesengagement surfaces 256 that form generally a sawtooth shape in crosssection. Stop 254 is positioned within resistance channel 234 so thatthe protrusions 260 of the stop 254 are received in sloped slots 232 onthe side of the track 216. When the stop 254 is in a disengagedposition, the protrusions 260 of the stop are located at one end ofslots 232. When sufficient force is applied to the front face 258 of thestop 254, the protrusions 260 on the side of the stop 254 move upwardfrom one end of slots 232 to the other end of slots 232. Because slots232 are sloped along track 216, movement of the protrusions 260 upwardalong the length of the slots 232 lifts the stop 254 vertically from thedisengaged position to an engaged position. In this way, when horizontalforce is applied to the front face 258 of stop 254, such as by openingdoor assembly 218 as described further below, stop 254 moves bothhorizontally toward the rear of the track 216 and upward at the sametime. When stop 254 is raised to the engaged position, the engagementsurfaces 256 of the stop 254 raise to engage the projections 262 of thebrake 246 that extend into resistance channel 234. When projections 262of the brake 246 engage the engagement surfaces 256 of the stop 254,stop 254 prevents forward movement of the pusher 214.

In some embodiments, pushing assembly 200 may include a door assembly218, such as the one shown in FIGS. 27-31, or other suitable structure,that blocks access to the product when the door assembly 218 is in theclosed position. Door assembly 218 may be aligned with the track 216 sothat the opening 222 of door assembly 218 (FIG. 28) aligns with opening226 of track 216 (shown in FIG. 34). A pin (not shown) may then beinserted through openings 222 and 226 to secure the door assembly 218 tothe track 216. Door assembly 218 further may include a ledge 224, whichis accessible to a user. Door assembly 218 may also include a protrusion208 that is shaped and sized to be received within opening 206 of thedivider 204 (FIG. 43). In this manner, when a user pulls ledge 224 toopen door assembly 218, door assembly 218 pivots forward as protrusion208 moves along curved opening 206 of divider 204.

Door assembly 218 may further include a lateral extension 268 (FIG. 30).Lateral extension 268 is positioned so that when door assembly 218 ismoved to the open position, lateral extension 268 rotates to engage thefront face 258 of stop 254. In this way, when the door assembly 218 isopen, lateral extension 268 applies a generally horizontal force to stop254 so that the stop 254 moves upward and forward along slot 232 intoits engaged position. Once in the engaged position, the engagementsurfaces 256 of stop 254 engage the protrusions 262 of brake 246 to stopforward movement of the pusher 214, as described above. As a result,only the forward-most product is accessible to a user when the doorassembly 218 is open. When the door assembly is closed, lateralextension 268 of the door assembly 218 does not engage stop 254 andtherefore stop 254 remains in the disengaged position and the pusher 214is free to move forward due to the action of the spring 250 and asslowed by the resistance mechanism 230, as described above. In this way,the pushing assembly 200 is configured so that only one product may beremoved at a time. The pushing assembly 200 is also configured so thatproduct may only be removed when at the front of the track 216. Thisrequires someone who wants to remove more than one product from thepushing system to wait for several seconds between removal of eachproduct, which has been found to be a substantial deterrence to producttheft. Moreover, door assembly 218 may include a spring or othermechanism that urges the door assembly 218 to its closed position.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 35-36 and 38, pusher 214 alsoincludes a second spring 264 attached at attachment points 270 and 272.Attachment point 272 is coupled to brake 246. Second spring 264functions as an override feature when the door assembly 218 is in theopen position and the stop 254 is engaged to prevent forward movement onthe pusher 214. The second spring 264 allows the brake 246 to pivot whenforce is applied to the pusher 214 in a rearward direction so that thebrake 246 is no longer engaged with the engagement surfaces 256 of thestop 254. Thus, when a force is applied to pusher 214 in a rearwarddirection, pusher 214 is not prevented from moving toward the back ofthe track 216, even while the stop 254 is engaged. In this manner, aretailer or other person can load additional product into the pushingassembly 200 when the door assembly 218 is open.

In some embodiments, access to the product stored on track 216 isblocked by a cover 212, shown in FIGS. 44-47. As shown in FIG. 44, cover212 may include projections 276 that are configured to be captured bysecuring extensions 274 of the divider 204 to secure cover 212 to thetop of pushing assembly 200. Cover 212 prevents a user from reachinginto the top of the pushing assembly 200 and removing product stored onthe track 216. Use of cover 212 is particularly desirable when access tothe top of the pushing assembly 200 is not otherwise restricted, such asby use of a top shelf unit 202 as shown in FIG. 24. For example, use ofthe cover 212 prevents access to product stored on the track 216 whenthe pushing assembly 200 is placed on a countertop or free standingshelf.

FIGS. 48-50 show an alternate embodiment of pushing assembly 200. Thepushing assembly of FIGS. 48-50 includes a stop 254 that prevents pusher214 from advancing product forward when the stop is in a disengagedposition. When the stop 254 is in the disengaged position, theengagement surfaces 256 of the stop 254 (shown in FIG. 40) engage theprojections 262 of the brake 246 (shown in FIG. 55) that extend intoresistance channel 234. When projections 262 of the brake 246 engage theengagement surfaces 256 of the stop 254, stop 254 prevents forwardmovement of the pusher 214.

Specifically, when engaged, stop 254 allows the pusher 214 to move in aforward direction and thus advance product forward. In some embodiments,when stop 254 is engaged, the pusher 214 can move in increments of apredetermined amount, such increments corresponding to the depth of theproduct. As explained above, stop 254 includes engagement surfaces 256that form generally a sawtooth shape in cross section. Stop 254 ispositioned within resistance channel 234 so that protrusions 260 of stop254 are received in ramped slots 232 on the side of the track 216 (shownin FIGS. 48-49). When stop 254 is in a disengaged position, shown inFIG. 48, protrusions 260 of the stop are located at one end of the slots232. When sufficient force is applied to the front face 258 of the stop254, the protrusions 260 on the side of the stop 254 move from one endof slots 232 to the other end of slots 232. Because slots 232 are slopedalong track 216, the application of the force to the front face 258 ofstop 254 moves protrusions 260 downward in slots 232, as shown in FIG.49. In this way, when horizontal force is applied to the front face 258of stop 254, stop 254 moves both horizontally toward the rear of thetrack 216 and downward at the same time. When stop 254 is thus loweredto the engaged position (FIG. 49), the engagement surfaces 256 of thestop 254 are lower so that they no longer engage with the projections262 of the brake 246 that extend into resistance channel 234. Whenprojections 262 of the brake 246 thus disengage the engagement surfaces256 of the stop 254, stop 254 no longer prevents forward movement of thepusher 214. Spring 314 (shown in FIGS. 48-49) may be used to slow thespeed at which stop 254 returns to its disengaged position; this speedcan be adjusted to correspond to the amount of time needed for thepusher 214 to move a predetermined increment, such incrementcorresponding, for example, to the depth of one product.

This alternate embodiment of pushing assembly 200 also may be assembledwith a door assembly 218 that is configured to cooperate with stop 254so that when the door assembly 218 is closed, the door assembly 218applies sufficient force to engage the stop 254 into its engagedposition to allow forward movement of the pusher 214.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 50-51, door assembly 218 is atip bin style door 400 that pivots open to provide a consumer withaccess to the product. When tip bin door 400 is in a closed position,access to product located behind the door is blocked to a consumer. Insome embodiments, when tip bin door 400 pivots forward, tip bin door 400allows access to the forward-most product on the pushing assembly 200,but includes a cover comprised of pivoting roof 401 and sliding roof 402(FIG. 50) that both pivots and slides to prevent access to remainingproduct housed in the pushing assembly 200.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 52-53, door assembly 218 is ashuttle door 404 that includes a shuttle 270. When shuttle door 404 isin a closed position (FIG. 53), access to product located behind thefront face 266 of shuttle door 404 is blocked to a user. When shuttledoor 404 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 53, the shuttle 270is in a substantially horizontal orientation. The shuttle 270 ispositioned relative to the pushing assembly 200 so that product locatedin the forward-most position relative to the pushing assembly 200 restson the shuttle 270 when the shuttle door 404 is in the closed position,as shown in the figures. Shuttle 270 also includes a lip 272 (shown inFIG. 52).

Shuttle door 404 further may include a ledge 224, which is accessible toa user. When a user pulls ledge 224 to open shuttle door 404, a frontface 266 of shuttle door 404 slides outward toward the user and theshuttle 270 pivots so that it drops from a substantially horizontalposition to a substantially vertical position, as shown in FIG. 52. Inthis way, any product that was resting on the shuttle when the shuttledoor 404 was closed drops down to rest on the lip 272 of the shuttle270. Because the front face 266 has moved toward the front of theassembly, a user is able to access the vended product through theopening 405 in the shuttle door 404 (FIG. 52).

The shuttle 270 is positioned relative to the stop 254 so that, incertain embodiments, when the shuttle 270 is in the substantiallyhorizontal position (shuttle door 404 is closed as shown in FIG. 53),stop 254 is engaged and the pusher 214 is free to move forward due tothe action of the spring 250 and, in some embodiments, as slowed by theresistance mechanism, until a product reaches the forward-most positionand abuts the front face 266 of shuttle door 404. Once the forward-mostproduct abuts the front face 266 of shuttle door 404, additional productis restricted from advancing forward and the pusher 214 comes to a stop.When shuttle 270 drops to its substantially vertical position (shuttledoor 404 is open as shown in FIG. 52), the product that was resting onthe floor of shuttle 270 drops so that it is accessible to the user,while shuttle 270 also disengages stop 254, which prevents the pusher214 from moving forward and advancing additional product for vending.

In this way, when the shuttle door 404 is closed, the shuttle 270applies a generally horizontal force to stop 254 so that the stop 254moves downward and forward along slots 232 into its engaged position(FIG. 58). Once in the engaged position, the engagement surfaces 256 ofstop 254 no longer engage the protrusions 262 of brake 246 and pusher214 is free to move forward due to the action of the spring 250, asdescribed above, so long as there is room between the front face 266 ofshuttle door 404 and the next product to be vended.

When the shuttle door 404 (or other suitable door assembly) is open, theshuttle 270 (or other suitable structure) disengages stop 254 so thatengagement surfaces 256 of stop 254 engage the protrusions of brake 246and prevent pusher 214 from moving forward. In this way, the pushingassembly 200 is configured so that only one product may be removed at atime. The pushing assembly 200 is also configured so that product mayonly be removed when it is against the front face 266 of shuttle door404 and received on the shuttle 270. This requires someone who wants toremove more than one product from the pushing system to wait for severalseconds between removal of each product, which has been found to be asubstantial deterrence to product theft. Moreover, door assembly 218(such as shuttle door 404 or tip bin door 400) may include a spring orother mechanism (such as spring 264 in FIG. 50) that urges the doorassembly 218 to its closed position.

In certain embodiments, a spacer 274 (shown in FIGS. 48-49) may be usedto accommodate products of different depths. Thus, use of a spacer 274allows the door assembly 218 to accommodate a product that is greater inits depth dimension than the depth of the door assembly 218 without thespacer. Specifically, the depth of the spacer 274 corresponds to thedepth of the product in relation to the depth of the door assembly 218.Similarly, the front to back ratio of the pushing assembly 200 alsorelates to the depth of the product. In this way, the pushing assembly200 and door assembly 218 are customizable to accommodate products ofvarying dimensions and to meet the needs of a retail store. The tallestproduct that may be used with the door assembly 218 dictates the designof the door.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 56-58, in some embodiments, pushing assembly200 is placed between two gondola-type retail shelves 202. In someembodiments, a plurality of pushing assemblies 200 are placed on theshelf 202 and separated by dividers 204. In some embodiments, the doorassembly 218 is connected to the dividers 204. The dividers 204 andpushing assemblies 200 are then connected to a rail 268, shown in FIGS.52-54 and 56-57, that is in turn attached to the shelf 202. The heightof the pushing assemblies 200 and dividers 204 may be adjusted toaccommodate the distance between the shelves 202. The dividers 204and/or shuttle door 404 may optionally include a bar 276 (shown in FIGS.52 and 58) that is either after-affixed or integrally molded as part ofthe dividers 204. The bar 276 may include rack gear teeth capable ofengaging a damper associated with the door assembly 218 so that the dooreases shut instead of slamming shut.

In some embodiments, shown in FIGS. 56-57, shelf 202 can be a slidingshelf. In these embodiments, shelf 202 may include a lock 278 that locksthe shelf 202 in place. When unlocked, as shown in FIG. 56, the shelf202 is capable of sliding forward in a drawer-like fashion so thatproduct can be easily re-stocked from above.

While the invention has been described in detail with particularreference to the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be affected within the spirit and scopeof the invention as described herein.

1. An system for controlled advancement of a product comprising: (a) atrack comprising: (i) a product display surface; (ii) a resistancechannel comprising gear teeth that project into the resistance channel;and (iii) a stop channel comprising a plurality of engagement surfaces;(b) a pusher in sliding engagement with the track; (c) at least onespring that urges the pusher toward the front of the track; (d) a stoppositioned relative to the pusher and movable between a disengagedposition and an engaged position, the stop comprising an externalengagement component that cooperates with the engagement surfaces of thestop channel to prevent the pusher from moving forward when the stop isin the engaged position; (e) a resistance mechanism that comprises anexternal gear component that cooperates with the gear teeth of theresistance channel to slow the speed at which the spring urges thepusher forward; and (f) a door assembly positioned relative to the stopand having a closed position and an open position, wherein when in theopen position, the door assembly engages the stop into the engagedposition.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the stop channel furthercomprises an inclined surface that engages engage the stop as the stopmoves from the disengaged position into the engaged position.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a shaft that cooperates with apotentiometer.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the door assemblyfurther comprises an extension that rotates when the door assembly is inthe opening position to engage the stop into the engaged position. 5.The system of claim 1, further comprising a cover configured to blockaccess to the product display surface.
 6. A device for controlledadvancement of a product comprising: (a) a track; (b) a pusher insliding engagement with the track; (c) a spring that urges the pushertoward the front of the track; and (d) a stop positioned relative to thepusher and movable between a disengaged position and an engagedposition, and wherein when the stop is in the engaged position, thepusher is unable to move in a forward direction.
 7. The device of claim6, further comprising a resistance mechanism that slows the speed atwhich the spring urges the pusher forward.
 8. The device of claim 6,wherein the track further comprises a stop channel comprising aplurality of engagement surfaces.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein thestop further comprises a plurality of external engagement componentsthat cooperate with the engagement surfaces of the stop channel.
 10. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein the stop channel further comprises aninclined surface configured to engage the stop as the stop moves fromthe disengaged position to the engaged position.
 11. The device of claim6, wherein the stop is spring-loaded.
 12. The device of claim 6, furthercomprising a door assembly positioned relative to the stop and having aclosed position and an open position, wherein when in the open position,the door assembly engages the stop into the engaged position.
 13. Thedevice of claim 6, further comprising a shaft that cooperates with apotentiometer.
 14. A device for controlled advancement of a productcomprising: (a) a track comprising: (i) a product display surface; (ii)a resistance channel comprising gear teeth that project into theresistance channel; and (iii) a stop channel comprising a plurality ofengagement surfaces; (b) a pusher in sliding engagement with the track;(c) a spring that urges the pusher toward the front of the track; (d) astop positioned relative to the pusher and movable between a disengagedposition and an engaged position, the stop comprising an externalengagement component that cooperates with the engagement surfaces of thestop channel to prevent the pusher from moving forward when the stop isin the engaged position; and (e) a resistance mechanism that comprisesan external gear component that cooperates with the gear teeth of theresistance channel to slow the speed at which the spring urges thepusher forward.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a doorassembly positioned relative to the stop and having a closed positionand an open position, wherein when in the open position, the doorassembly engages the stop into the engaged position.
 16. The device ofclaim 14, wherein the stop channel further comprises an inclined surfacethat engages engage the stop as the stop moves from the disengagedposition into the engaged position.
 17. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a shaft that cooperates with a potentiometer.
 18. The deviceof claim 15, wherein the door assembly further comprises an extensionthat rotates when the door assembly is in the opening position to engagethe stop into the engaged position.
 19. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a cover configured to block access to the product displaysurface.